Barnet get the go-ahead to move out of Underhill

The Football League have given Barnet formal permission to relocate to a new stadium in Edgware.

Barnet will be leaving Underhill — the League Two club’s home for 106 years — in the summer due to long-standing land lease issues and hope to move into their new home in time for the 2013-14 season.

The new stadium at the club’s impressive training ground, The Hive, will have a capacity of approximately 5,100 — with 3,500 seated.

Chairman Tony Kleanthous said: “We waited until the last possible minute before applying to the League as I was not prepared to take this action until we had exhausted all avenues with Barnet Council.

“There can be no better statement of our intent and, with the new facilities at The Hive and extra investment in the squad, we are looking forward to the future. So let’s all get behind the team, the move and the club.

“I have kept the Supporters’ Trust fully appraised of the discussions and, at their request, even the last-minute intervention of Barnet MP and Cabinet Minister Theresa Villiers was unable to sway this intransigent Council.”

Barnet
Council’s Leader, Cllr Richard Cornelius said: “This news is very disappointing. The council has been trying to work for some time with the football club but I think it has been clear Mr Kleanthous' heart has not been in retaining football at Underhill.”